2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

1968 (Science-Fiction)
Rating (9/10)

2001 is one of the finest
science-fiction books I've ever read. The book starts off
millions of years ago - when there was no man, only a
primate-like "Man-Ape". A mysterious object from
space arrives on the Earth - and influences the brain patterns of
the Man-Apes. The Man-Apes were almost at the point of
extinction, but because of the powers of the object from space,
they survive and evolve into Man.

Present timeline - there's concern about a
mysterious object that was discovered on the moon. It seems
to be atleast three million years old. It is perfectly
black, in perfect geometric proportions (1:4:9), and shows
absolutely no sign of damage. It was discovered due to the
unusual magnetic field it created, and so it is designated
T.M.A.-1 (Tycho Magnetic Anomaly - 1). A group of
scientists go to the moon and try to find out what exactly it is
- and how it got there.

While T.M.A.-1 is being observed, it's quiet for
a while - but suddenly, a powerful blast of energy is
emitted. This seems to be a very strong signal that was
transmitted for a purpose, probably to be intercepted by
intelligent beings somewhere in the galaxy, or beyond.

The space ship Discovery is bound for
Saturn - on board are some cryogenically frozen men, along with
David Bowman and Frank Poole, and an intelligent, self-conscious
computer called HAL 9000 (Heuristically Programmed Algorithmic
Computer). Except HAL, the voyagers are unaware of Discovery's
true mission. The signal that T.M.A.-1 emitted was traced
to somewhere near Saturn, and that's why the ship is being sent
there.

The journey's two stages - a crucial manoeuvre
near Jupiter, and then the voyage to Saturn is thrilling, to say
the least - Clarke describes all this so well. Finally, the
secret of T.M.A.-1 (and there is a T.M.A.-2 in the story as
well...) is revealed in the book's fascinating last chapters.

This is an extremely well-written fascinating
story. And considering that it was written before man
actually landed on the moon, it has to be appreciated for the
extent of detail that is there. I have not seen the movie
based on this book, but it is supposed to be slightly different
from this story. A number of sequels (books and movies)
followed.